Looking to get a hand held GPS as a backup for the boat. What do you guys use or recommend?

iPad on a seasucker
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

How about navionics for your phone???
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

How about navionics for your phone???
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I wanted an emergency backup for the ditch bag. The iPhone battery length is poor without it being plugged in and if it ever got wet it would be toast.

If it's just an emergency backup for the ditch bag, how about something pretty simple? I was looking for a cheap GPS as a gift and Amazon has these b&w Garmins on clearance for 59 bucks:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/318lwn4JtOL._AA300_.jpg
Amazon.com: Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS Navigator: GPS & Navigation (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PDV0CE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thestoespmak-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PDV0CE)

navionics on your smartphone

You looking for something that get global positioning such as a SPOT/ACR 2881 RESQLINK PLUS PLB375 ( http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-406-gps/ )/EPIRB and sends emergency signal or a handheld VHF-like radio. The latter has more more limited transmission range but I went with the Horizon HX851 Floating Handheld VHF/GPS w/12 Channel GPS Reciever ( http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&ProdID=1558&DivisionID=3 ): sends a digital signal over VHF. I figure where I go I am never more than 3-5 miles from nearest potential rescue boat. You need an MMSI number. No annual subscription fees either.

I have the Garmin touchscreen Oregon 450. This is my second season with it and it is very nice. I was weary of the touch screen but it is really easy to use and very quick. This unit was an upgrade from my older Magellan handheld...this is better. Gooey hands it still works and can be wiped off. I mounted it alongside the fixed in dash 10" screen as a second independent unit. It is plugged in all the time so it is always charged and ready as well as always on. I can toss it in a ditch bag easily. The iphone is my backup to my backup. To be honest the iphone is much more limited and harder to use than this. Also this provides very clear readouts, much better than a phone. The Ipad is nice because it is bigger but I don't know how rugged it is on a boat.

You looking for something that get global positioning such as a SPOT/ACR 2881 RESQLINK PLUS PLB375 ( ResQLink PLB / Cobham - Beacon Solutions (http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/resqlink-406-gps/) )/EPIRB and sends emergency signal or a handheld VHF-like radio. The latter has more more limited transmission range but I went with the Horizon HX851 Floating Handheld VHF/GPS w/12 Channel GPS Reciever ( Welcome to StandardHorizon.com (http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&ProdID=1558&DivisionID=3) ): sends a digital signal over VHF. I figure where I go I am never more than 3-5 miles from nearest potential rescue boat. You need an MMSI number. No annual subscription fees either.

Hey Phil, I have an ACR PLB for emergency signal transmission but wanted something to back up my on board GPS as well as something I can take when I go one someone elses boat.

I have the Garmin touchscreen Oregon 450. This is my second season with it and it is very nice. I was weary of the touch screen but it is really easy to use and very quick. This unit was an upgrade from my older Magellan handheld...this is better. Gooey hands it still works and can be wiped off. I mounted it alongside the fixed in dash 10" screen as a second independent unit. It is plugged in all the time so it is always charged and ready as well as always on. I can toss it in a ditch bag easily. The iphone is my backup to my backup. To be honest the iphone is much more limited and harder to use than this. Also this provides very clear readouts, much better than a phone. The Ipad is nice because it is bigger but I don't know how rugged it is on a boat.

Hey Sandman, I was looking at the Oregon. Glad to hear you like it. I wish it floated though. The Garmin site says the GPSMAP 78 series are waterproof and float although the Oregon series seems like it is an all around better unit. I have the navtronics on the iPhone as a back up to the back up

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=161&compareProduct=63603&compareProduct=63602&compareProduct=63601

Hey Phil, I have an ACR PLB for emergency signal transmission but wanted something to back up my on board GPS as well as something I can take when I go one someone elses boat.

This radio does that since it contains a GPS, see specs. Also serves as a backup for your radio should it fail, especially if you have Verizon cell service on the water and can't get a signal!:smash: So my reasoning was serves both as a backup to the GPS and the radio.

I also have the Droid GPS with Navionics.

I'll sell you a Garmin 78SC for way off retail. Used it for a month. Its a great little unit, comes with all charts built in.

This radio does that since it contains a GPS, see specs. Also serves as a backup for your radio should it fail, especially if you have Verizon cell service on the water and can't get a signal!:smash: So my reasoning was serves both as a backup to the GPS and the radio.

I also have the Droid GPS with Navionics.

Ok, I got it now! Thanks. I have AT&T so I have good range on my iPhone.